The Alaska Airlines (ASA) Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMT) are major contributors to the Company’s record profits, safety record, cost structure, reliability, on-time performance, and overall success. Despite the rapid changes in the airline industry and current shortage of qualified, tenured Technicians, the aviation industry continues in an economic upturn. The big four – Delta, American, United, and Southwest Airlines– have helped raise the bar for economic packages due to the last 15 years of stagnation and concessions that have resulted in record profits and substantial growth in the industry.

This past weekend, the AMFA and ASA negotiating committees achieved an Agreement in Principle (AIP) on a proposed five-year contract including significant pay increases and added job protection provisions. As major contributors to the success of Alaska Airlines, this offer would continue to allow the Company to take care of their loyal customers and employees, ensure future flexibility for growth, and continue to be competitive in all markets. This agreement will help improve our technicians’ lost years in wages, benefits, and sustain caps on rising medical costs. Unfortunately, there are areas the Company would not move on, and we did not capture all our members’ wants in retirement. The details of the agreement will be highlighted in AMFA–ASA Negotiations Update #17 to be released later this week.

After the AIP language has been finalized by both AMFA and the Company committees, the National Executive Council (NEC) will review the Tentative Agreement (TA) and decide whether or not to present it to the members for a ratification vote. After approval by the NEC to bring this TA to the membership, your Negotiating Committee will conduct a road show, visiting stations across the system to discuss the details of the TA and answer questions from the membership. In addition, each member will receive an email with the final language for their review and consideration prior to a vote.

I am are very proud of our members’ trust and the serious commitment, diligence, and prompt timing of both the Alaska and AMFA negotiating committees in reaching this agreement. This agreement was reached only 53 days past the current amendable date, thus indicating the importance of taking care of our people. This speaks volumes in comparison to current negotiations with Southwest Airlines, which is currently 1,579 days (4 years, 3 months, 26 days) past the amendable date. The AMFA Negotiating Committee thought this offer, timing and improvements, is worthy of consideration by the membership, and they will indicate if they are in favor or opposed to this offer. Your Negotiating Committee and I would like to thank the observers who attended the last 2 day (23 hour) negotiation session in Seattle, WA. Lastly, I would also like to thank Region I Director Earl Cark, Local 32 ASA Airline Representative Mark Dahl, and Local 14 ASA Airline Representative Jason Munson for all their time, hard work, and dedication in negotiating this agreement. Now it’s time for the membership to speak.